ABOVE THE DEAD . com
Season 1, Episode 3
"666"
INTRO
FADE IN:
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
Vehicle losing control, and causing a deadly pile up, with other vehicles/semi-trucks (same scene/accident that clogged up highway, in episode 2)...
Driver's (Michael, 21) POV, of rearview mirror, and the accident, as it occurs behind him.
MICHAEL
(off-screen)
Oh my god! They're crashing back there!
Michael looking back behind him, as does his brother (Matthew, 19), in passenger seat.
MATTHEW
Who?
MICHAEL
Everyone!
Matthew looks around, noticing some cars stopping, once at a safe distance.
MATTHEW
Pull over bro, I gotta get this!
Matthew getting his phone ready, as Michael pulls to side of road. Both guys quick to get out and look. Matthew filming with phone, approaching the scene as a few others rush past him, in aid of the victims.
MATTHEW
Brother, this is freaking awesome!
Guy with a dirty look, toward Matthew, while running past him.
POV from phone/cam, recording as man runs by, shouting back at Matthew.
GUY
How about putting down the camera and helping, huh?!
MATTHEW
Nah, you're the hero bro; I'm good where I am. (talking to camera)
Can't die before I even get the chance to post this footage.
Matthew filming the injured people and the damaged cars, coming to a dead lady, buckled in her car.
MATTHEW
(off-screen)
She's a goner...
Michael standing back by the car, watching.
MICHAEL
Keep going. Grow a pair.
MATTHEW
(talking to the camera)
Says the guy, standing way over by the car.
Matthew walks around corner of an upside down car. He films man lying dead on ground, as someone runs to his aid, but quickly goes on to someone else.
POV through camera, zooming in on dead guy.
MATTHEW
(off-screen)
Rest in peace, dead homie...better you than me.
Matthew moving onward, filming more people from the west side (entering scene, same way Rhett and others did in EP 2), looking and trying to help. Victims can be heard crying, or pleading for help. Matthew continues recording.
MATTHEW
(talking into camera)
You sob's back home better appreciate me risking life and health, to
bring you this real life situation on the highway, up on Mt. Hood.
Suddenly, Matthew heads back, with sound of frantic commotion that direction.
MICHAEL
(off-screen)
Matthew, what's going on?
Matthew cruises around corner, to see one person running back toward their car, and a couple others pointing toward that dead woman, buckled in her seat, who Matthew begins to notice, is no longer dead.
MATTHEW
Sweet Jesus! (turning on camera/laugh in tone) I
thought she was dead!
POV from Camera.
MATTHEW
You are some kind of strung out, lady. Maybe that's why you're
still alive, for now.
Matthew turning to face others.
MATTHEW
This is who started it, right here. Don't do drugs and drive, people.
Matthew walking away, back toward his brother. Suddenly, more frantic commotion coming from west side, where people are retreating. The dead guy he filmed on the ground, walks around corner.
MATTHEW
Okay, what the hell?! I know that guy was dead!
Matthew films him for a moment, while backing away. He takes notice of others, scattering away, either driving away east or running off west.
MICHAEL
Matthew, get in the damn car!
Matthew begins jogging back toward Michael, but soon stops, staring into upside-down, vehicle.
His POV, of a zombie eating the driver (same driver from EP 2, who caused the accident). Matthew tries to get footage of it, before deciding to move on, as the dead man "zombie", drew close. Matthew reaches car, gets in as Michael drives away.
MATTHEW
What the hell was that?!
MICHAEL
You tell me!
MATTHEW
He was dead, I filmed him, completely without a doubt dead, as
shit. Wait, hold on, stop!
MICHAEL
Are you crazy?!
MATTHEW
I wanna figure this out!
Michael stopping car in middle of open road, as Matthew climbs out, looking back toward zombie. One more car speeds past them. Zombie still coming, as Matthew reaches in to glove compartment, pulling out a pistol, with a look at his brother, and back at the approaching zombie.
MICHAEL
What does he want?
MATTHEW
I don't know, I've never talked to a dead guy before!
Matthew walking right toward him. Fires two shots in his chest to no effect. Runs and climbs back in car, as Michael begins driving off.
MATTHEW
Did you see that?! It didn't even faze him! Hold on, wait! Park up
ahead, in the shade.
MICHAEL
What? Why?
MATTHEW
I wanna see what happens, once the damn police get here!
Michael pulling over in the shade, as Matthew rolls down window, looking back at zombie, who is turning his attention back west. Matthew listens to all the frightened people, screaming from the highway, on other side of the accident.
MATTHEW
He's turning back toward everyone else. Those people are so screwed.
DISSOLVE TO:
Same POV (about 25-30 min later)...
MICHAEL
How the hell are the police not here, yet?
MATTHEW
This must be happening everywhere. That's the only reason they
wouldn't be here. I think everyone is on their own, brother.
MICHAEL
Or maybe we died in that accident, and still think we're alive.
Matthew staring right at him.
MICHAEL
Makes more sense than what we just saw back there, doesn't it?
MATTHEW
Well, dead or not, let's move on, see what else is happening out there.
Michael starting car, taking off.
MATTHEW
There're no rules right now, no law...no consequences.
Michael looking at him...
MICHAEL
What?
MATTHEW
If cops aren't responding to that, imagine what else they're ignoring.
I say we stop off at the house, and finish what we almost started, last
summer.
MICHAEL
What?
MATTHEW
Why not? Even if things get better, no one will ever know what
happened. Come on bro, it's the first thing on my bucket list, and
after what we just saw, I'm thinking it's a bucket list kind of day.
MICHAEL
And then what? We just put him outside, and watch his dead ass walk
away? (chuckle from Matthew) And what are we going to survive on,
during this apocalyptic mess? Bread, baloney and booze? Cause when
have you ever known the old man to have anything else?
MATTHEW
Number two, on my bucket list, to rob a convenience store by gunpoint.
Michael, another staring look at his brother...
CUT TO:
INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - DAY
Young man behind counter, looking up at sound of the door, and instantly becoming frightened. Matthew coming right at him, with gun aimed at his head.
MATTHEW
Don't worry, we ain't gonna hurt you.
BOOM! Instantly firing gun, and blowing his head off...
MATTHEW
See, that didn't hurt a bit.
MICHAEL
What the hell, man! We don't even know who else is here! Someone
with a damn gun? Jesus Christ!
Michael grabbing gun from Matthew, and running upstairs. Matthew checks back rooms...
Through window, a man and woman race off toward brush.
POV of the man (TAN), leading his wife (FRANCES), into brush. They come to a safe place, duck down and look back toward the store, as Tan dials 911.
DISPATCHER
911, please hold...
Tan looking at his phone, with shock, and contained anger, to keep from being heard.
POV Matthew, walking toward counter, peeking over at dead guy.
MATTHEW
Still dead, huh?
Michael coming back down.
MICHAEL
Looks like we lucked out. But damn dude, think before you react.
Look at this place. There's a bedroom upstairs, plenty of food and
beer, water, and if the power goes, I'm betting there's a generator
around here, somewhere.
Matthew grabbing a dog leash.
MATTHEW
You saying we should hunker down, here?
MICHAEL
No better place. What are you doing with that? (leash)
Matthew heading around counter, toward dead guy.
MATTHEW
Gotta tie this dead bastard up... Wonder how strong they are?
Michael's attention suddenly shifting outside, where car pulls up.
MICHAEL
Damn it, we have company!
MATTHEW
Tell em' we're closed. No wait! We need someone, to test this
dead guy on.
POV cuts outside, to man's feet, as he climbs out of car, with breath of fresh air.
POV two more pairs of feet, climbing out of passenger side.
(MAN)
(off-screen)
Oh, how I love that fresh Oregon mountain air. No wonder your
uncle Fish likes it here, so much.
POV Vincent, as his boys (Greg/Mark) meet him on his side of car, heading toward store entrance, as theme tune begins...
DISSOLVE TO:
THEME TUNE/CREDITS
Shots of all the chaos in the city, on day 1 of the "zombie" apocalypse, followed by bumper to bumper traffic on the highways, and tons of angry/nervous people honking or trying to pull off the road. Shot of Mt. Hood, followed by shots of a huge tree house overlooking a lake, which dissolves into the Columbia River and traveling down it, through a huge forest fire, and then to the Bonneville Dam. POV continues down the river, past the Glen Jackson bridge, flowing by tons of houseboats where the dead are falling into the river, after whoever is drifting by. POV of the Willamette River as it goes under the St. Johns bridge, and up into the hills of Portland. It travels over them, and into the Beaverton area, crossing over the top of the Nike World Headquarters, and keeps traveling over farmlands, and into the coast range, finding the Glenwood Market, and a large camp with log walls, across the creek and behind the store. POV speeds over the Tillamook Forest, highway 26, and a bunch of other land, before coming to the Columbia River, traveling west, and under the Megler bridge, into the ocean. It continues along the shoreline, past Astoria, the Haystack Rock of Cannon Beach, coming to a pair of Jetties, and through them, up into the nearby hills, and over a large camp in the hills, protected by a large log wall. POV travels back down to the shoreline, and over a huge hotel, with a shot of the Twin Rocks in the ocean. POV travels by the bay of Tillamook, and along highway 6, back into the coast range, until leaving the road, back into the Tillamook Forest, until coming to a very large compound, hidden away by all the brush and mountain-side, as opening credits roll…
CUT TO:
EXT. FISH'S PORCH - EARLY DAWN
Scott on porch (gun in arm) with a blanket, trying to avoid drifting. His eyes keep closing and opening. He leans head against porch, and eyes close. He snores very briefly, instantly waking himself up.
POV cuts to Sam in bed, petting Bailey, with a look over at Amy, who remains asleep. Sam now looking at framed picture of her and Fish, before briefly spooked, by sound of someone leaving boys room, for bathroom. She again looks over at Amy, who is now awake.
AMY
Morning.
SAM
Hi.
AMY
(stretching)
Have you been up long?
SAM
Since the birds began chirping. Sounds so peaceful out there. Like
everything is okay.
AMY
I believe it soon will be...
Amy smiling, with a look around the room, and then at the framed photo, in Sam's hands.
AMY
So, with a dad named Fish, I imagine
you're use to waking, this early?
SAM
Used to scare me, hearing him walking around, while it was still pitch
black. Then I realized a new day was about to begin, and couldn't sleep,
even if I was still tired. My moms hated how early I woke up, after
staying at my dad's. "Go back to sleep, my little fishy", they'd say to me.
AMY
(smiling)
I can't wait to meet them.
SAM
I can't wait for you to meet them, too.
Rhett walking in.
RHETT
Nor, can I.
AMY
Hi, baby.
Rhett kissing and sitting in bed with her.
AMY
Oh god, Dad?
RHETT
He's fine. He's out there on the porch.
Amy to window.
AMY
Good morning, Dad.
SCOTT
Now that you're up, yes, it is. You guys can wake me up in about fifteen
hours, when you're ready to sleep again.
AMY
Fifteen hours? I'm crashing again in fifteen minutes.
Eli entering/standing at door.
ELI
(groggily)
In what kind of apocalypse do people wake up at the crack of dawn?
AMY
Apocalypse has been canceled due to electricity, and the five day forecast
calls for cell service and help from the National Guard.
ELI
Sweet, wake me in five days... (heading back to room) My forecast
calls for better dreams and tons of Z's.
Sam a small smile, as she turns toward wall, to keep anyone from seeing it.
AMY
He's really a good kid, Sam. He'll apologize later, once rested.
SAM
It's okay. I haven't apologized to him yet, either.
Amy a delighted smile, and curling up against Rhett...
AMY
(to Rhett, quietly)
Things are looking up.
Scott entering room.
AMY
Hey Dad. How did it go all night?
SCOTT
Completely quiet, not even a single gunshot.
AMY
Sleep at all?
SCOTT
Do I look like I slept?
SAM
I heard you snore at least a dozen times.
Amy and Rhett laughing.
AMY
Busted!
SCOTT
Yeah, for like a combined twelve seconds of sleep. The kid said snore,
not snoring. I don't know what I would've done if that power didn't
come back on. Other than never sleep again. I honestly have no
idea how people with sleep apnea, slept before electricity, and those
machines.
ELI
(shouting answer from other room)
I'm guessing they listened to you complain about it.
Rhett/Amy cracking up. Sam again turns, to hide her laughter, but caught by Amy.
AMY
Sam? Are you laughing over there?
SAM
He reminds me of my cousin, Zane.
Amy a pleased look at Rhett and her dad...
CUT TO:
INT. FISH'S KITCHEN - MORNING
Pancakes being flipped over, panning back to Amy, as Scott enters kitchen.
AMY
Dad, go to bed!
SCOTT
Not until I demolish at least a couple of those cakes.
AMY
Did you clean up in here, over night?
SCOTT
Yeah, figured the fish would be hard for Sam to see.
AMY
Which is why you get three pancakes instead of two. (a smile at him) She
really stole your heart, with that hug last night, didn't she?
SCOTT
(teasing)
Like the daughter I never had.
AMY
Just for that.
Amy stuffing her dad's pancake in her mouth...
CUT TO:
EXT. FISH GRAVESITE - MORNING
Sam sitting, staring at her dad's grave, in total silence...
CUT TO:
EXT. LAKE TRAIL - MORNING
Rhett/Eli hiking trail, along the lake.
RHETT
You certainly seem better today.
ELI
Doesn't mean I don't miss them.
RHETT
Of course, it doesn't. Just means you're strong... Maybe even strong
enough to talk with Sam, later? Tell her how sorry you are, about
yesterday. I know she plans on telling you the same.
ELI
Really?
RHETT
So, she says... You even made her laugh earlier, with your comment
about Scott putting people to sleep. (Eli smiling) Even had Amy
cracking up. That's good... You certainly have Dad's sense of humor.
ELI
He was way funnier, than me.
RHETT
Yeah, but he was also a complete ass, at times... (slight chuckle) I could
hear him now. (talking in mock voice of their dad)
Rhett begins talking in mock voice of their dad, with Eli cracking up throughout it.
RHETT
"Boys... It's your duty
to be strong now. Women have come a long way. They vote, they make
as much, or more money than us, hell, one even ran for President. But at
times like this, it's always a man who shines. You get her through some
crap like this, and she'll find her way back to the kitchen, in no time."
Eli/Rhett laughing...
ELI
You sound just like him!
Rhett/Eli taking notice of a cabin up ahead, and people nervously watching them, from inside.
ELI
Should we be nervous, right now?
Rhett patting back of his pants.
RHETT
I have one of Sam's, dad's guns, just in case.
ELI
Looks like they're nervous.
Rhett waves up a hand at them, as they keep walking by. The people stay inside...
ELI
(looking toward Rhett's gun)
Probably time you show me how to use one of those.
Rhett looking back at Eli, taking notice of what he's referring to.
RHETT
Yeah, it probably is...
ELI
You really think just because the power is back on, that things
will get better?
RHETT
They certainly can't get any worse...
ELI
I wonder how many people back home are alright? My friends,
teachers, baseball coach?
Rhett a slight shake of the head, as they walk on in silence...
CUT TO:
EXT. FISH GRAVESITE - MORNING
Sam still sitting there in silence...
SAM
I...I laughed today...(on verge of crying) How is that possible? (crying
out next sentence) I'm so sorry, Daddy! (still somewhat crying) I never
thought I would do that again. (big sniff) Funny thing is...I know you'd
want me to. (completely blabbing out next part) And I know how
disappointed you must be, by what I thought about doing! I know how
disappointed Grandpa, Scout, and Zane would be, if I had done that! I'm
so sorry Daddy, and I promise I'm going to never think that way again!
(regaining her composure for a moment) I'm going to let you see
me get back to them. I'm going to do it for you...and (blabbing again)
I'm going to do it for them, Daddy!
Sam sitting there in silence, regaining her composure...
SAM
I love you, Daddy...
CUT TO:
EXT. LAKE TRAIL - MORNING
Rhett/Eli standing completely still on trail, and staring straight ahead. Rhett slowly reaches for gun, and aiming straight ahead. He fires it.
Cut to Sam at gravesite, instantly looking up toward gunshot. POV Scott/Amy, running out of cabin.
AMY
SAM!?
Sam heading toward Scott/Amy.
AMY
Where'd that come from? Was it Rhett?
SAM
I don't know. (pointing toward trail) I think over that way.
AMY
(shouting)
RHETT?! ELI?!
In the not so far distance, you can hear a response.
RHETT
Coming! We're okay.
Amy instantly relieved, as they all head toward trail... Eventually they see Eli, soon followed by Rhett, carrying a dead deer...
AMY
You shot a deer?
CUT TO:
EXT. FISH'S CABIN - MORNING
Rhett dropping deer down on porch.
RHETT
It was just right there, in front of us.
SCOTT
The deer here are used to being fed, very friendly.
Amy waddling away on verge of vomiting, but fights it off, and becomes emotional.
RHETT
What's wrong?
AMY
That poor thing wanted to be fed, not to be fed on.
Amy crying...
RHETT
I don't get it? I've hunted before. You've eaten food, I've killed.
AMY
I don't get it either. I just can't stop picturing it, waiting to be fed,
by friendly people.
RHETT
So, it's a hormone thing?
Amy simply heading inside.
AMY
Just keep that thing away from me, and do NOT eat it anywhere
around me.
Everyone looking amongst each other...
SCOTT
She'll be alright. It was a good call, Rhett...
Someone's POV, from brush (watching them), as Sam goes inside cabin...
Scott, Eli and Rhett, all standing around, on porch steps. Person keeps watching, while carefully moving around in brush...
CUT TO:
Amy at kitchen sink, washing face, as Sam comes in behind her.
SAM
My uncles Leo and Mason, hunt. My grandpa says it's necessary
to know how, in case you ever need to. My dad agreed... I never
disagree on anything they both agreed on.
Amy drying her face, and sitting at table, resting head against hand.
AMY
I agree too. I just...don't know why I'd be so worked up over a deer,
after what you've been through, what they've been through...it's
ridiculous.
SAM
It makes me sad, too. I even got sad over the fish my dad caught.
Even the ones I caught.
AMY
I just...(stops talking, staring straight ahead)
Sam turns to face direction Amy is staring. Amy rises, walking to window, and watching woman (about 20, carrying a bag, clothes dirty, and black eye), who is approaching from the brush. Amy pushes open window.
AMY
Dad, someone's coming!
POV cuts to Scott, turning to face approaching woman. Rhett grabbing his pistol, walking off porch.
WOMAN
(raising hands)
I'm unarmed. (spinning around) Come in peace.
Rhett still holding gun on her, as she arrives. Amy comes outside, followed by Sam.
SCOTT
Who are you? What is it you want?
WOMAN
My name is Jax. I heard the gunshot, while on the road. I thought
maybe it was the military. I've heard a rumor that they're camped
out in the area, somewhere...(Rhett lowers gun, Jax lowers hands)
and responsible for getting the electricity back on.
AMY
Where did you hear that?
JAX
From some folks who fed and let me stay with them, last night. I'm
trying to find where those military guys are, to see if getting back to
the city, or someplace safe, is possible.
AMY
What else did they tell you?
JAX
They saw military rolling through yesterday afternoon. Figured they got
the power back on and were securing the area.
AMY
Thank god...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (day 1)
INT. STORE - DAY
Vincent, Greg, and Mark, sitting on floor, with hands tied behind backs. Michael just finishing with Mark's hands, and holding the gun on them. Matthew simply staring at dead cashier...
MATTHEW
I don't get it, why hasn't he come back, yet?
Vincent/boys puzzled looks, amongst one another.
MICHAEL
Maybe it's something in the air, or that virus they've been talking
about?
More puzzled looks between Vincent/boys.
VINCENT
What exactly are you guys expecting that deceased guy to do?
MATTHEW
I was hoping to watch him eat your ass.
Michael a slight chuckle. Vincent/boys not sure what to think...
VINCENT
Look, I don't think you guys mean to hurt anyone. You're obviously
on something, and something good. The thing of it is, that's exactly
what we came up here to do today, ourselves. My youngest here just
graduated, and I want to do for him, what my father did for me. Get
loaded. Maybe not whatever it is you two are on. He's a first timer.
But I'll certainly give it a shot, if ya don't mind sharing?
Matthew grinning...
MATTHEW
Bro, I applaud your effort, but I haven't even began drinking,
yet today.
GREG
Then explain why you believe that dead guy is going to
magically wake up?
MATTHEW
(pulling out phone)
Better yet, I'll show you.
Suddenly car is heard, tearing out of side garage. Michael and Matthew run toward window. Matthew goes running out door, holding up gun, but saving his bullets, as Tan (wife ducking down in passenger seat) speeds away...
Michael walking up behind Matthew.
MICHAEL
This is why you think, before you act. Once they realize there's no
place to go, where do you think they'll turn? For all we know, they
have guns. That of which, we only have one!
Matthew heading toward store door.
MATTHEW
We'll have more, once we take care of Dad.
Matthew entering store and immediately begins rushing after someone. Michael begins rushing himself.
POV Vincent (hands still tied), at counter, desperately trying to make a call on his phone, as Matthew tackles him to the ground. Greg does his best to jump Matthew. Michael is taken down from behind, by Mark. Matthew is fighting off both Vincent and Greg. Mark actually has the gun, within reach (hands still tied). He grabs it, but without any ability to aim it. Michael secures it, while kneeing Mark in the face, and holding gun on him.
MICHAEL
(speaking to Vincent and Greg)
STOP OR HE DIES!
Vincent and Greg stop immediately.
VINCENT
NOOO!
Matthew with a couple instant blows, to Vincent's face, followed with anger, over the pain it brings to his fists, as he begins shouting sounds of frustration (with a quick glimpse at dead cashier)...
MATTHEW
ALRIGHT, WHICH ONE DIES RIGHT NOW?!
Everyone including Michael, just staring in a panicked bewilderment, as Matthew grabs Vincent, heading for the door.
GREG
What are you doing?!
MICHAEL
Matthew, what are you doing?
MARK
Dad?!
MATTHEW
Maybe it's something in the air, maybe you have to be outside when it
happens.
Matthew grabbing gun from Michael.
VINCENT
You don't have to do this!
GREG
Don't you even dare!
MARK
Dad?!
Vincent's phone begins going off (vibrating on counter), as well as both Greg and Mark's phones. Matthew slows down, stops, looking over at ringing phone. He looks at Vincent, then hands gun to Michael, and walks to phone, picking it up with a glance. He then glances over both phones on counter, before looking over at Vincent...
MATTHEW
What the hell does 666 mean?
Absolute shock, taking over already shocked faces, of Vincent and his boys...
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
INT. FISH'S KITCHEN - MORNING
Everyone including Jax, sitting at table eating pancakes.
JAX
That's when everyone started screaming and running for their lives.
I got hit hard in the eye, hence the shiner, and then got separated
from my roommate. When I couldn't find her up ahead, I tried going
back to the car. That's when I saw...the same type of things you people
saw. I'm kinda glad you did, because the people last night, they thought
I was crazy... Anyway, I just ran past it all, and got back to the car. She
was nowhere around. But those things sure were. So, I grabbed what I
could, and headed East. I saw the accident, and could not believe it was
just sitting there, abandoned like that. No police ever came...
Everyone taking bites in silence...
AMY
Things are getting better, now. They'll broadcast something soon,
telling everyone what to do.
RHETT
You hiked all the way up here?
JAX
(nodding)
I didn't sleep until last night, when those kind people took me in.
They had very little to survive on. I couldn't blame them for asking
me to move on, in the morning. That's when my plan became to
find the troops.
RHETT
You didn't run into any trouble, on your way here? No more of
those...
ELI
Huffs...
Sam a curious look at Eli. Jax looking at everyone, then at Eli.
JAX
Huffs?
AMY
What does that stand for, Eli?
Sam waiting curiously for an answer.
ELI
I'm not comfortable cussing around your dad.
Sam smiling, little laughter from Amy and Jax.
SCOTT
Go for it, kid, ya got me curious now.
ELI
You guys start calling them that and I'll eventually spill it. You have
to earn it.
RHETT
You know, even if the military has things, or are getting things under
control, people coming back, as...huffs, how and where does life go on
from there?
Everyone in silence...
AMY
Maybe there's a way to stop it. Maybe they know what's making
it happen.
More silence...
JAX
Just knowing what they know, would make me happy. My place is smack
in the middle of downtown Portland. I won't even attempt a return there,
without word to do so.
More silence... Amy taking a layer of clothing off.
AMY
It's warm already, today.
ELI
If things really are getting better, I'm going to celebrate by putting that
rope swing, out there, to use. If things are still F'ed, I'm going out with a
bang, and getting my swing on.
JAX
You guys have a rope swing here?
CUT TO:
EXT. ROPE SWING - DAY
Jax (in swimsuit), flying in air (with joy), dropping into water, next to Eli. Amy in a chair (in the water), soaking her feet. Rhett in chair, at shoreline. Sam close by, watching from her dad's grave. Eli watching Jax, approach Amy.
JAX
The funny thing is, I was supposed to be doing exactly this, right now.
The rope swing at my roommate's folks, has a huge rock to swing off
from... (sitting down behind Amy, on the bank) I wonder if she made
it, or where she's at? She's really the only family I have.
RHETT
So, you mentioned being a hunter. If you can help catch food, we
can offer you shelter.
JAX
I can do that.
AMY
You really think we'll need more food before...before it's over?
RHETT
Even if things are on the up, it's going to be a very slow process. Life
is going to be hard, and dangerous, for the time being.
AMY
So...you think we're on our own, for the baby?
RHETT
We'd be foolish to not prepare for it.
AMY
The troops have to have doctors, though. Right?
RHETT
Which is why if they don't come looking for us, like Jax here, we may
need to go looking for them.
Amy rubbing her tummy, talking to her baby.
AMY
You hear that, my little man? No need to vacate. Stay on in there,
until things get back to normal.
Jax heading for rope swing.
JAX
As normal as the new normal is...
Eli listening to conversation, while floating on his back...
Sam staring at grave, takes peek at others (sound of Jax splashing down), then back at grave...
JAX
Come in, Sam.
Amy a look back at Sam...
AMY
I will if you will, Sam...
Sam just staring a grave a few moments, before speaking to her dad...
SAM
I love you, Dad.
Sam rising, and heading toward water, to the sound of the others pleased.
POV through binoculars (from across the lake), of Sam approaching others, in the water...
POV man, with binoculars to his face.
Man (Frank, 60-65), lowers binoculars...
FRANK
It's playtime, over there. As if everything is fine and dandy.
Woman (Lisa, 60-65), grabbing binoculars from Frank, and looking for herself.
LISA
Maybe we should just go over there. They could have the medical
supplies that our daughter needs.
FRANK
They have guns. Guns that have been going off over there, since
this all began. I moved us up here to get away from people like that.
Frank leading Lisa away.
LISA
But they seem friendly. They waved as they walked by earlier.
FRANK
Walked by with a gun. And I'm telling you, those are not the people
who normally vacation there.
CUT TO:
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Sick woman (40ish), with fever, lying in bed. Her daughters (Erica 15, Macey 14) and son (David 8), are present. David is apprehensive, and leaves the room. Mom takes notice, but unable to find strength to call out to him.
ERICA
I'll check on him, Mom.
Erica leaving room after him...
ERICA
David? David, come here, buddy.
DAVID
Mom's gonna die.
ERICA
No, David. Grandpa is not going to let that happen.
Frank walking through door, followed by Lisa...
FRANK
What's wrong?
ERICA
He's worried about Mom.
Lisa leading David into kitchen.
LISA
Oh, he's just hungry is what he is. Let's see what yummy treats
we can find you.
Frank and Erica heading back into bedroom, closing door on POV.
CUT TO:
EXT. FISH'S CABIN - DAY
Sound of others swimming, as Rhett opens side door, coming out (with bloody hands) and using hose, to rinse off. He goes back inside, coming out with meat, he cut from the deer. He heads to porch.
POV Eli, dropping from rope swing, next to Jax. Sam and Amy floating/watching, from a distance...
JAX
Come on, Sam. (holding up rope) Show me what you got.
SAM
Maybe later.
Amy looking at Sam...
AMY
I'd tell you, I'd do it if you do it, but...(holding/looking at belly)
Eli swimming over to Amy/Sam...
Eli
I bet you can do backflips, huh?
SAM
No...but my cousin Zane, can, like no one else. Except maybe my
cousin, Greg. He's pretty good, too.
ELI
Are they both at the compound?
SAM
Zane should be. If not, then he's on his way here, to find me. Not
sure what happened to Greg. His dad and brother were supposed
to meet us here, two days ago.
Silence, and some floating around...
ELI
I'm sorry, Sam...about yesterday... I like your cat. What's its name?
SAM
Bailey... I'm sorry, too.
More silence...
Rhett arriving at shoreline as Amy swims toward him, and her chair...
AMY
So, I take it, everyone's name that isn't Amy, is eating deer, for dinner?
RHETT
Really bothers you that much?
SAM
The dear is honored, by all who use it to survive. Wasting the meat
is disrespectful.
Silence...
ELI
Are you like, half Indian or something? (some laughs)
AMY
Eli!
ELI
I mean, don't get me wrong, I can't get the image of him shooting that
poor thing out of my mind. Which of course is better than the previous
images, stuck there, but...(shrugging)
More silence...
ELI
Awkward silence...
More silence...
ELI
Seriously though, I know your family is waiting for you, at a
compound, but uh, you sure it's not a reservation?
More laughs including Sam...
SAM
I love Indians, but no. We get our fireworks at the reservation, though.
JAX
Compound?
ELI
Oh yeah, you don't know yet. Her family is loaded. They have a
compound, in...where at?
SAM
By the beach.
AMY
Tillamook, State Forest.
JAX
Are you kidding me?
Sam as happy/excited as she's been since the loss of her dad.
SAM
My grandpa built it. But he's retired now. So, my uncle Hunter runs
it. My cousin Zane, is next in line, and he and my aunt Scout, are
going to come up here and get me. I mean us, get all of us.
JAX
Well uh, screw the military, let's find that compound.
AMY
If they don't show up here in the next couple weeks, that's exactly
what we're going to do. We are getting this special kid back to her
family. (smiling at Sam)
JAX
So, your entire family is there?
SAM
Family and friends. There were over a hundred people, already
living there before this happened.
ELI
Really?
AMY
I did not know that. No wonder you have a doctor there.
SAM
Probably more than one doctor, now. Grandpa had others, who
invested in homes, there. They have places there to live, in case
anything like this happens. He built it big enough for about a
thousand people to survive.
JAX
Wow.
ELI
Really?
AMY
Holy crap!
RHETT
So, it's an ark...
SAM
That's what's grandpa called it.
AMY
I can't even begin to imagine how much money must have gone
into that.
SAM
I think all of it. Because they still had more they were waiting to get, like
army vehicles, or apocalyptic vehicles, Zane called them. But Grandpa, was
turning it into a way, to make more money. We have a huge farm there, I
think he sold most of the food. There's a baseball field, softball, gym, park.
He was talking about building a new hotel there, as a tourist attraction.
But only if his idea of a theme park, in the area, was accepted.
AMY/ELI
Theme park?!
JAX
Like a Disneyland, or something?
SAM
Yeah, except he wanted to name it with "land", at the beginning,
rather than the end. "Land of the Great Northwest", he called it.
Instead of Mickey Mouse, he wanted Bigfoot, as his main theme
character. Part of the park would even be called, Bigfoot County.
AMY
Are you kidding me? That's actually genius. Was he really going
to do this?
SAM
He was working on help, investors I think, and then he was going be able to
invest more, for supplies at the compound.
ELI
What beside Bigfoot County, was he going to have?
SAM
He was designing rides called, The Gorge, Mt. Saint Helens, the Coast
Range, Sneaker Wave, The Lewis and Clark Expedition, Hood to Coast,
and a ton more. (she smiles at Eli) He wanted an Indian theme,
too, and Indian characters.
ELI
I knew it!
Everyone laughing some...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (day 1)
INT. STORE - DAY
Vincent and boys staring at Matthew in shock.
VINCENT
You can't be serious?
MATTHEW
As a damn heart attack! All three of you got the same text.
You must know what this means.
VINCENT
We do, we just never thought in our lifetime, we'd see it.
MATTHEW
What the hell are you talking about?
VINCENT
Look, you guys are going to need our help. You guys expecting that
dead guy to wake up, suddenly doesn't seem so off.
MATTHEW
Dude, if you don't start making sense I'm gonna 666, your ass
straight to hell!
GREG
Just let him explain!
VINCENT
We have a wealthy family. So wealthy, that we have a compound in
the coast range. Some of our family already lives there. The rest of us,
are supposed to gather there asap, if we ever receive that code. I don't
know if we're at war, or what's going on, but you mentioned something
on your phone, to show us?
Michael/Matthew sharing a look at one another...
MICHAEL
Makes sense, with what we've seen.
VINCENT
What have you guys seen? Please, show me so I can make sense of
all this!
Matthew pulling out his phone, plays video for Vincent and the boys...
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
INT. TREE HOUSE (girl's room) - NIGHT
Close-up of picture (on cell phone, of Zane/Scout), panning back as Sam shows it to Amy.
SAM
(off-screen)
That's Zane and Scout...
Scott/Rhett sitting on beds, Eli on floor, petting Bailey, and Jax is entering room.
JAX
Our Saviors? Let me see.
Sam holding phone out for Jax, and points to framed photo next to her.
SAM
That's a family picture, right there.
JAX
Mmmm, Zane is cute.
SAM
You're not his type.
Amy a sheepish smile, as Jax moves to look at family photo. Sam points to someone in photo.
SAM
Her name is Jax, too.
JAX
Really?
SAM
That's her grandpa Hunter, next to her, the compound leader.
JAX
(pointing to guy on other side)
Is that her dad?
Sam a solemn nod...
SAM
He might be...dead.
Jax a heartbreaking look/sound at Sam.
AMY
That's the one who was bitten?
Sam nodding...
JAX
Bitten?
AMY
Yeah, uh...didn't really want to bring it up in front of
Sam, earlier, but...
Some silence...
SAM
I can handle it. I watched my dead dad, eat my dog.
Jax a wide-eyed look at Amy, and mouthing "What"...
SAM
Not sure what I couldn't handle, now.
AMY
You're simply amazing, Sam.
JAX
(hand on Sam's shoulder)
Ain't that the truth.
Sam, a look at Eli.
SAM
Well then, I guess Eli is, too.
AMY
He certainly is...
JAX
I'm really sorry to hear that about your dad, Sam, and your dog.
SAM
Thank you... I know he's watching... I know how happy he'll be, to
see me make it home.
AMY
Yes, he will. (almost teary eyed)
SAM
Both him and Eli's dad. They'll share a hug, as we're walking through
the compound gates.
Amy becoming emotional. Eli a faint smile...
SAM
Your mom, too.
AMY
Rhett? Escort a lady to the restroom? Not to go...just to cry.
Jax a laugh, Amy touching Sam on shoulder, as she walks by.
AMY
Thanks, Sam.
Rhett/Amy leaving room.
ELI
Okay, maybe I was wrong about the Indian, thing. It's religion, your
family is into, huh?
Amy a crying laugh, from outside the room. Sam smiling.
Rhett walking Amy into bathroom.
AMY
(with emotion)
Hope your brother likes them young... I think that child in there,
someday wants to be your sister-in-law...
CUT TO:
INT. FRANK/LISA'S CABIN - NIGHT
Erica/Macey (15 and 14), sleeping on couches in living room...
POV cuts to David (8), in a bedroom, asleep next to Lisa.
Cut to Frank (Grandpa), in a different bedroom, asleep in loveseat. The children's mom is in the bed, across from him. She begins waking (as a zombie). Seeing/hearing Frank, she rises and goes to him, crawling onto his lap (in chair), and digging into his chest. He wakes instantly, in shock, and unable to scream, due to massive heart attack that kills him, before the zombie does...
POV behind zombie Frank, as he enters room, full of screams...
Cut to girls, still sleeping in living room...
Cut to David, still sleeping, but in a dream state, squirming around...
Cut to zombie, feasting on Frank. Frank suddenly wakes, as a zombie, causing other zombie to stop eating, and eventually rise up off him/loveseat...
Cut to girls, still sleeping in living room...
Cut to David, squirming/moaning from nightmare...
Cut to images of his nightmare. His mom crying in pain, as she is bitten by a zombie. His sisters crying, as they all flee from the zombie. His mom lying in bed, sick. Suddenly, she screams.
Cut to David, waking in bed, as his zombie mom eats from his tummy, his screams instantly waking Lisa (next to him). Lisa screams, as zombie climbs over David, and overtakes her. Lisa screaming. Girls come charging through bedroom door, freezing in shock, at the scene in front of them. They scream, turn, and are stopped at the door, by zombie Frank, who traps them inside.
POV behind zombie Frank, as he enters room full of screams...
CUT TO:
EXT. TREE HOUSE - NIGHT
Scott leaving bathroom, heading toward boys room.
His POV, as he looks in at Rhett/Eli, sleeping. Scott now walking toward girls room.
His POV, as he looks in at all three girls, sleeping. Scott walks over toward ladder area. He picks up his shotgun, sits down, and looks out over the lake...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (day 1)
INT. STORE - DAY
Matthew pulling away phone, as Vincent stares off in disbelief, over what he just saw...
VINCENT
I...I always thought it'd be war, or terrorism...that lead to that
code, actually coming across our phones...
GREG
How can that not be terrorism?
Michael/Matthew curious, and waiting for Vincent to answer...
VINCENT
(nodding)
I guess...I guess it could be.
GREG
It has to be.
MICHAEL
Like...something biological?
GREG
Has to be...
VINCENT
But...what could make the dead come back?
Vincent in thought, as everyone awaits him to share...
VINCENT
It's...(simply shaking his head, at a loss for words)
MATTHEW
It's the end, is what it is. (talking to Michael) Get some more
rope, and get them tied down.
VINCENT
(shaking head)
No man, you don't have to do that. Now that we know what
you two have been through, what the world is going through,
we're all better off working together, than we are
against one another.
MATTHEW
(with laugh)
There you go again, trying to talk your way outta' this.
GREG
Are you kidding me?! Did you not hear us say we have a compound?
MICHAEL
(holding rope)
Maybe they're right.
MATTHEW
I just almost killed this guy! He'll do the same to me, with his bare
hands, if given the opportunity.
VINCENT
(shaking head)
No, I won't!
MATTHEW
Tie them up!
Michael begins tying them up against wall. Matthew goes to window, looking out at car, pulling into parking space.
MATTHEW
Damn it. We got company.
Michael coming to window...
MATTHEW
Finish tying them up. It's just a family, with little kids...
POV cuts outside, to father holding little girl's hand, as they approach the store. Mom and young son, nervously waiting at car, mom looking all around (engine still running). The little girl obviously in need of using restroom.
Dad's POV, of "closed" sign on door, as Matthew comes out (backwards), dragging dead cashier. Dad freezes.
LITTLE GIRL
Daddy, I gotta ' go!
Matthew simply leaves body on side of door, heading back inside.
MATTHEW
We're closed.
Dad/girl looking at body, girl begins peeing, as dad picks her up, running back toward car.
MOM
Is that?
DAD
Get in the car! Get in the car!
Girl now crying, as they all quickly pile in. Dad peels out, in a hurry...
POV cuts back inside store, where Michael finishes tying them up. Matthew laughing at the family, driving away.
MATTHEW
Who needs a "closed" sign, when ya got a dead body at your door?
VINCENT
That may work against innocent families, but what happens when
someone more aggressive like yourself, shows up? An entire group
of them, hungry and desperate, for a place to ride this out... Your
dead body out there, will only warn them to take you by surprise.
MATTHEW
We'll have more guns soon... No one's getting in here.
Vincent shaking his head, looks to Michael...
VINCENT
(talking to Michael)
I can tell you know what I'm talking about. Please talk to him.
Matthew instantly throwing a punch at Vincent's face.
GREG
STOOOP!
MATTHEW
Don't try to use my brother, to go over me!
MICHAEL
Matthew?
MATTHEW
Next time, you get a bullet, or a damn blade in your gut!
MICHAEL
MATTHEW?!
MATTHEW
WHAT?!
Mathew simply starring Michael down, before Michael eventually signals him outside. Matthew follows him out, while gesturing the others, toward the food isles.
MATTHEW
(heading out)
Plenty of munchies, if you guys get hungry...
Michael/Matthew out door. Mark (next to Vincent) looking at his dad, as Greg works to get free.
MARK
You okay?
VINCENT
I'm fine. Look, no more aggravating the crazy one. No matter how
intense things get, don't even try reasoning with him. He doesn't
have any...
GREG
We're dead, if we don't figure something out, quick.
VINCENT
Getting the other one alone, would be our best bet.
GREG
And how do we do that?
VINCENT
Was hoping, one of you had an idea...
MARK
Maybe if we tell them about Fish's place (Vincent shaking head),
we can. (cutoff)
VINCENT
Under no circumstances, do we mention Fish, or his cabin. If they ask,
we're just up here vacationing from Cali.
POV cuts outside, to Michael/Matthew, in parking lot.
MICHAEL
You have to calm down. Quit reacting, without thinking. That compound,
one way or another, is our best play.
Matthew just staring at the dead body...
MATTHEW
Why hasn't this guy come back?
MICHAEL
Dude! Are you even listening to me? Am I just here for the ride?
MATHEW
If you are smart enough, to know just how in the hell we are supposed to
make that compound our play, then yes, I am listening...
Michael speechless...
MATTHEW
I didn't think so...
MICHAEL
It's like I said. Don't react, think. Killing them would be reacting.
Again, Matthew simply staring at dead guy...
MATTHEW
There's gotta be a reason, he isn't coming back...
Matthew heading back inside. Michael rolls his eyes, and follows while shaking his head.
MICHAEL
Dad definitely must have hit you harder, than he ever did me.
Matthew through door. Vincent waiting for Michael to come through, before speaking...
VINCENT
I see a radio over there, can you guys please see what's being said,
about what's going on out there?
Michael heading behind register counter, turning on radio. He finds silence, static and emergency alerts, before coming to a man talking about what's going on.
RADIO GUY
911 is unreachable. Panic is developing everywhere... I can't say it
enough. For those of you just tuning in, whatever this virus going
around is, it's making those infected with it, extremely violent. So
many are infected with it, that they are walking the streets with it.
I was attacked, just outside the station here, twenty minutes ago.
I got away with my life, but was indeed bitten. Yes bitten...and, I'm
not talking skin broken and a little blood...I'm talking violently
grasped, with this guy's teeth, and a chunk of my flesh now gone.
I'm guessing this means I am now infected. I mean...you come in
this kind of contact, with anyone infected with something...you
catch it, right? In a matter of time, I'll be in the same state of mind,
as the guy who did this to me, right? Now, everything I'm hearing,
through scattered reports, is that nothing other than a blow to the
brain, is able to take these "infected", down. (Matthew reacting to
that news) I'm not even going to share some of the wild things I've
heard, as I simply believe them to be paranoid rumors, and wild
speculation. I have heard terrorism, and honestly, I'm all on board
with that. I can tell you this, if I am to become like the one who bit
me, I won't be hurting or spreading the virus myself. I'm all alone
here. I've got the doors barricaded. The one outside my door
appears too weak, to even attempt breaking in. Once I become like
him, I should be stuck inside... until I pass. Until then, I will continue
to bring you the latest... Again, I cannot say it enough...(Matthew
going for radio) For those of you just tuning in...
Matthew shutting it off. Walking around counter, and toward those tied up...
MICHAEL
Matthew?
Matthew pulls out a blade, as he approaches Vincent and jams it straight into his gut.
GREG/MARK
NOOOOO!
Vincent looking into Matthew's eyes, and fighting to say his final words.
VINCENT
Please don't hurt my boys.
MATTHEW
I won't. You will, once you come back... If they don't tell me what I
need to know.
Matthew finishes him off, as both boys express their agony...
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
EXT. LAKE TRAIL - DAY
Rhett carrying shotgun, as Jax walks in front of him, on trail.
RHETT
This is far enough.
Jax stops, and faces him. He moves toward her, takes a look in all directions, places shotgun against tree, and takes Jax into his arms, as they begin kissing.
POV from someone, or something, as it approaches from the brush. Rhett stops kissing her, and turns to face POV. Dread takes over his expression.
AMY
(off-screen)
I knew you were a cheater!
Amy walking out of brush, instantly shoving Jax into the lake.
Jax climbing out of lake, as suddenly Eli tears out of brush (in the water), biting her neck, as she screams. Rhett grabs Amy's arm, leading her away, but she is now a zombie, too. She bites him in the neck, as he instantly wakes from nightmare.
POV cuts to Rhett's eyes, waking in bed (dark outside). He stares straight ahead, before closing eyes.
POV cuts outside, and below, where Scott is walking around, with a flashlight, just kind of investigating the surrounding area. He stares at some brush, not too far from the tree house. He actually walks into the brush, looking around, before exiting…
Cut to Scott in Fish's garage, looking through tools and other types of supplies, along with leftover items from the tree house. Scott moves to go out door, where he comes face to face with Rhett, scaring him to death!
RHETT
It's just me!
SCOTT
JESUS! What the hell are you doing?
RHETT
Sorry! I was up, and heard you out here...wanted to make sure it
was you.
SCOTT
(walking out)
What are you doing up?
RHETT
Nightmares...
SCOTT
Yeah...they're pretty crazy, and pretty constant, right now. Better get
some rest, though. I'm going to put us all to work tomorrow, after I get
up. We need to plan for the future, in case...things don't get better...
CUT TO:
INT. BOYS ROOM - MORNING
Eli sleeping in his bed. Sam stands over him, just staring at him. He slowly begins to wake. He begins moaning, like he's too sleepy to get up. Now he moans like a zombie, and leaps right at Sam.
POV cuts to Sam's eyes, waking in bed. She rolls over, finding both Amy and Jax, still asleep. She then looks to Bailey, who is safe at her side. She then looks at the framed photo of her and her dad, followed by the one of Scout and Zane. She then begins rising from bed, while picking up Bailey. She heads for door, and in a hurry, walks straight to the bathroom (carrying bailey), and going inside.
Cut to Scott, on porch looking toward tree house.
SCOTT
(speaking to himself)
Alright, Sam's up, that's good enough for me. (turning and entering cabin)
I'm going to bed...
POV cuts to cabin bedroom, as Scott enters inside, going straight to cpap machine, turning it on. He puts mask over his face, and climbs into bed, closing eyes...
Cut to Sam (with Bailey in hands), hurrying from bathroom, back to bedroom...
CUT TO:
INT. FRANK/LISA'S CABIN - DAWN
Bedroom, where one corpse (one of the girls) has been fully eaten. POV pans back from it, going through the cabin, where the other five are doing their zombie thing, roaming the house, with no way out...
CUT TO:
INT. GIRL'S ROOM - DAY
Amy screaming in pain. She stops, as she can hear a baby, crying. Rhett (with a smile on his face) hands her a baby zombie, as she immediately screams.
POV cuts to Amy's eyes, waking in bed...
She looks to Sam, who is looking back at her. Then to Jax, who is still out.
AMY
At least I'm not the last one to wake up... What about you?
Get up with the birds again?
SAM
Too many nightmares, to sleep.
Amy just nodding...
POV cuts to Eli's eyes, waking in bed. He looks over at Rhett, who's still asleep. He looks back upward (lying on his back), taking a deep breath, and shaking his head...
CUT TO:
EXT. LAKE TRAILS - MORNING
Rhett, Eli, and Sam, all hiking the trail. Eli handing pistol to Rhett.
ELI
Thanks. I'll need to go back over it all, with you again, later. I want to
know everything I need to know, and know it right.
RHETT
Good...
ELI
When can I fire a loaded one?
RHETT
Next time a deer walks in front of us. Can't really afford to
waste ammo.
ELI
Can you show me how to work the shotgun next?
RHETT
Yeah, we'll do that a little later.
SAM
My grandpa and uncles, have been teaching me self defense, all my
life. My cousin Zane, got to learn how to shoot, when he was six. I was
suppose to learn, when I was twelve, because my moms made a
compromise, with my dad. He wanted me to be ten. They wanted
me to be one hundred and ten.
Rhett a laugh...
ELI
Moms? They?
SAM
Lesbians. My real mom is my dad's best friend...was...
Sam, sad as they walk in silence...
ELI
Sounds like a comedy...
SAM
What do you mean?
ELI
Kinda sounds like a movie. A comedy... Sometimes I see everything
in life, as a movie.
SAM
What are we in, now?
ELI
(shaking head)
I don't even know. Horror? A dramatic suspense thriller? The Twilight
Zone? (shaking head again) I'd have to start reading comic books, to
find something this twisted...
Rhett a smile...
SAM
So...what does huffs stand for?
Eli quiet...
SAM
I can handle bad words.
ELI
It's not that, it's... I don't want you to be offended...
Sam quiet, a moment...
SAM
Because my dad was one?
ELI
That, and...what you saw him do...
Rhett a curious expression...
SAM
I can handle it.
Eli a skeptical look, from Sam to Rhett...
SAM
I have my dad's gun on me, don't make me use it.
Sam a half smile. Both Eli and Rhett shocked, as Rhett looks toward her back side.
RHETT
Are you crapping me?!
Sam pulls it out. Rhett putting his hand out for it.
RHETT
May I please carry it for you?
Sam placing it back in her pants.
SAM
I'm good.
Rhett astonished, as they walk on...
SAM
Tell me what it means.
Eli moving in to whisper, it to her.
ELI
I'm honestly terrified, not to...
Eli whispers in her ear. She listens, and smiles, as he finishes. Then the smile fades, and eventually comes back again...
Rhett looks disappointed, to be left out on the secret.
RHETT
(quietly to himself)
I've got a gun, too...
ELI
The ones we saw on the highway, they were really bad...
SAM
(smiling)
It sounds like something Zane would come up with. He'll
love it.
Rhett now shifting his attention toward the cabin, where they saw people the day before. He watches it as they walk the trail. It's far off the trail, so seeing inside, is hard to do. He doesn't see anyone...
POV cuts inside cabin, with view of Rhett and others (through window), as they walk by. Zombies inside, are pacing around, without noticing Rhett and others...
CUT TO:
EXT. FISH'S KITCHEN - MORNING
Amy with eggs, sausage and bacon, on the stove. Rhett and Eli at the table.
AMY
I guess she likes to sleep in, even more than Eli.
RHETT
She better come through on being useful. These people might not be
thrilled, if too many people are here, waiting for hospitality.
AMY
Keeping their granddaughter safe, whether we get to them, or they get
to us, is all they will care about. From what Sam said, it sounds as if
taking people in, is exactly what they do, there.
ELI
I think she's cool.
Amy a shrewd look, aimed at Eli. Then speaking to Rhett.
AMY
What were you saying about Dad? Putting you guys to work today?
RHETT
He wants to dig an underground shelter, close by the tree house.
One we can build a tarp roof for, and actually walk down into.
AMY
So, more planning on the long haul? You have any idea how much
snow will be here, three-four months from now?
Amy simply shaking head, as she flips bacon...
CUT TO:
EXT. FISH GRAVESITE - MORNING
Sam speaking to her dad.
SAM
It made me laugh, but it made me sad, thinking about you. Then it
made me think of Zane, and then Scout, Grandpa, Hunter, (getting
emotional) Dakota, all of them. They all remind me so much of you,
Daddy. (regaining composure, not getting as emotional, as before) I
need to be with them. I promise you I will be. I promise you, you will
see me grow old, at the compound, helping the family do what
Grandpa always wanted...to start a new world...
Sam sitting there silently looking at his grave...
SAM
Hungry, ugly, freaky...and the F word, plural...(with laugh) That's
what he calls them. Huffs...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (day 1)
INT. STORE - EVENING
Close-up of Vincent's dead expression, panning back to the emotional aftermath expressions, of Mark and Greg...
MATTHEW
(off-screen)
Why hasn't he come back yet? Those ones on the highway, were
dead for only minutes, before coming back. Why ain't it working?
Michael a look at his brother.
MICHAEL
Maybe those ones on the highway were infected. Maybe it's the virus,
like the guy on the radio said. He just doesn't realize, yet, they're dead.
MATTHEW
All the more reason to get these assholes, to tell us exactly how to find
that compound. Can't stay here, we have to escape this so-called virus, if
it does indeed exist.
MICHAEL
You guys better do as he just said. As you already know, I can't seem to
control his crazy ass.
Mark/Greg with dreadful expressions, when suddenly, Vincent begins coming back. Both Mark/Greg now into dreadful shock, as they watch their dad open his eyes, and start grunting.
MATTHEW
(off-screen)
Here we go!
Fear now takes over Mark/Greg, as Vincent immediately begins lunging for Mark.
MATTHEW
Oh YEAH!
Vincent doing his best to reach Mark, who also does his best to avoid Vincent's reach, which is way too close for comfort...
MATTHEW
Brother, are you seeing this! WooHoo! This is just sick!
GREG
UNTIE US! UNTIE US!
Mark shouting in fear. Matthew pulling out and using his phone, to record it all. Michael watching, in shock.
GREG
You son of a bitch! You untie us, now!
MARK
Please, I don't wanna die!
MATTHEW
Will you tell me how to find your compound?
GREG
NO! You'll kill us anyway!
MARK
We'll tell you about a closer place! JUST STOP HIM! STOP HIM, NOW!
GREG
Mark!
Mathew 's attention suddenly drifting outside, where he watches another vehicle pulling into parking lot.
MATTHEW
Damn it! World's ending and people wanna go grocery shopping!
Michael looking outward.
MICHAEL
These guys are strapped!
POV cuts outside, to three guys climbing out of vehicle. At least one of them, visibly has a pistol. They begin cautiously approaching the store. Suddenly, they scatter, as they take on gunfire. The guy with the gun, fires a couple shots (taking out a window), as they all rush back inside the vehicle, pulling away, just as the last guy jumps back inside...
POV cuts inside store, to Matthew and Michael, slowly coming back up, and watching vehicle speed away.
Mark still desperately keeping his distance, from Vincent.
GREG
YOU SEE?! My dad was right! It's only going to get worse!
Matthew in thought...
MICHAEL
Matthew? They're right, man. We have to at least get Dad's guns!
MATTHEW
Alright, alright! You get these guys talking, about whatever this
other place is, they mentioned. I'll get the guns.
POV cuts to parking lot, as Matthew comes out, drops supplies in Vincent's trunk, climbing into Vincent's vehicle, and skidding off in a hurry...
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
EXT. TREE HOUSE - DAY
Rhett's POV, from tree house, of Sam flying through air, on rope swing and splashing into water, near Eli. Amy sitting in chair (in water).
Eli turns and takes notice of Jax, in girls room, topless (with her back to Rhett), and putting on her bikini top. Rhett watches a little longer than he should, before turning and entering boys room. Jax comes out of girls room, heading to ladder, climbing down and approaching others, at lake. Amy smiles, as she watches Sam and Eli, having fun and splashing around. She bites from a protein bar, and rubs her belly. She speaks quietly to her baby.
AMY
Please let me see you happy and playing around like those two,
someday. That is all I want. I don't care if it's behind walls, that
keep us safe, or in a new world, where things will never be the
same. I just want to see you happy, and being a kid... Can you
please do that, for me?
Amy looking upward, as both Sam and Eli flee from Jax, who is swinging over them, and splashing down into the lake.
Amy suddenly flinching, as a hand touches her shoulder. She looks up at Rhett, smiling down at her.
RHETT
Hi, beautiful.
AMY
Hi, handsome. Actually going to swim?
RHETT
Tempted. Water feels great...
AMY
Go for it.
RHETT
What I'm really tempted to do, is ask Sam where the keys to the boat,
are. Maybe take the kids for a tube ride.
AMY
They would love that! It's nice to see you thinking about fun.
RHETT
I don't know, it's just something about that "not so little", girl. She has
me thinking, there's no way her family isn't going to make it here, soon.
Amy smiling.
AMY
So, not only fun, but positive thinking on your mind today, as well.
I like it.
RHETT
Just listening to her, go on and on about them and that place... If they
care about her half as much as she cares about them, they'll be here,
eventually.
ELI
(off-screen)
Come on, Rhett. Come get wet!
POV from across lake, of Rhett leaving Amy's side, and charging toward Eli, until he dives in, causing the others to create a lot of commotion.
POV cuts inside of Frank/Lisa's cabin, where zombies roam around (window in background, with view of swimmers). One of them begins going for window. Once at window, it begins grunting more, attracting the other zombies, now heading for window.
POV outside window, of zombies putting pressure against it, before it gives way. One zombie immediately falls out, rising and walking forward. Other zombies all make their way out, except for the young boy (David), who struggles (due to his size), before eventually making it out.
POV (from inside) out broken window, as zombies (five of them, two grandparents, mom, teenage girl and young boy) approach lake, with swimmers in their view...
Cut to Rhett, swinging and dropping from rope swing, to the applause of all the others, as he does a cool backflip.
Cut to zombies, walking right into lake, heading for swimmers...
Cut to Rhett in water, picking up Eli, and throwing him up and into water...
Cut to zombies, continuing toward swimmers, and disappearing, as they sink to bottom...
DISSOLVE TO:
Rhett laying out (by lake) on towel, drying off. Amy in her chair (in water). Sam and Eli, still splashing around in the lake. Jax, almost in middle of lake, floating on her back. She swims under, coming back up quickly, before diving down deeper, and remaining under for a while. Sam/Eli look out her direction, waiting for her to rise...
ELI
She can hold her breath, a long time.
SAM
That's nothing. You should see Zane, in the water.
Jax pops back up, and continues going under, and coming back up...
ELI
You wanna marry your cousin, don't you?
SAM
Ewww! No!
ELI
I know, I'm just kidding. I can just tell you look up to him. Like I
do with my brother.
SAM
You'll know why, once they get here. He is not only a complete
badass, he's crazy funny. So is Scout, Dakota, Greg, Wyatt,
Jagger...get them all together, oh my god, so funny.
ELI
How many cousins do you have?
SAM
Twenty-two, including second cousins.
ELI
Damn! Uncles and Aunts?
SAM
Four blood uncles. Hunter, Leo, Mason and Vincent. One blood aunt, Scout.
ELI
(mocking 12 days of xmas)
Three Indians, two moms, and a compound in a pair treeeee...
Sam just staring at him...
SAM
Sometimes you're funny...and other times, you're a total dork.
Eli instantly splashing water at her, as she laughs. She splashes some at him. He stops, looking all around, with paranoia.
ELI
Something touched me!
Suddenly, a zombie jumps out of water, at Eli, causing Sam to scream! BUT, it's not a zombie, it's Jax! She begins laughing. Eli and Sam splash water at her...
Amy laughs, as she watches from her chair...
Suddenly, zombie "Frank", is seen surfacing, in front of the swimmers.
Amy's POV of "Frank", as he turns to face the swimmers, who all begin screaming, as they notice him.
Rhett pops up! He rises and rushes toward water...
Frank heading back into deeper water (going after swimmers). Jax helps Sam, swim away, with Eli following.
AMY
NO, WATCH OUT!
Suddenly they stop, as they almost swim right for zombie "Mom", who is surfacing, in front of them. Not far from her, is zombie "Lisa", beginning to surface.
The swimmers all go into a panic, as Rhett is now diving off of dock, into water, toward swimmers. Zombie "Frank" has disappeared again. Zombie "Mom" is continuing toward land, toward Amy.
Zombie "Lisa" heading back under water, in direction of swimmers. Jax helping Sam, into even deeper water, to avoid "Lisa". Eli follows, as Rhett reaches Sam.
RHETT
I got her! Go for the dock, Eli!
Jax going for the dock, followed by Eli. Rhett helping Sam. "Frank" and "Lisa" submerged. Amy leaving her chair, heading for land, with zombie "Mom", heading after her.
Scott is seen (with shotgun), running toward the lake...
POV from brush, where someone (can't see him/her), anxiously watches the entire scene...
POV cuts to swimmers, all climbing the dock, rushing to get their feet out of the water. Rhett helping Eli up, and leading them all off dock.
Scott arriving at lake, running past Amy, and firing a shot. He fires a second, which takes down zombie "Mom". Rhett and others, meeting Amy. All of them looking out, as both "Frank" and "Lisa" begin to resurface.
Scott walks right out into water, aiming a shot at "Frank's" head, and blowing it off. He then aims at "Lisa", and blows her head off...
Everyone in complete shock. Sam dripping wet, lips trembling, and holding on to Amy...
Scott standing there with a look outward, then down at the water, almost nervous to be in it, and steps back out of it…
JAX
What in the holy hell of Christ, was that?!
AMY
Where...where the hell did they come from?!
Rhett looking across the lake...
SCOTT
Is everyone okay?
Amy looking over everyone...
AMY
I think so...but...(just staring out at the lake)
SCOTT
What happened?
AMY
They just all popped up! Right in front of the kids! It's like...they
walked under water, to get here...
Everyone just staring outward, at lake.
SCOTT
But...from where?
RHETT
I think they actually saw, or heard us, from across the lake...and walked
right into, and under it, to get over here. (shaking his head)
SCOTT
You have got to be kidding me...
SAM
We need to get to the compound...
JAX
I'm with the kid...
POV from person from brush, still watching, as they all turn and slowly walk away, from lake.
POV from child zombie, as he surfaces from lake. His view, of the backs of everyone, as they come to a stop, and slowly turn around, facing the child zombie.
Amy simply screams, drops to her knees, weeping uncontrollably, as Rhett tries to help. Scott heading back toward lake, with shotgun...
POV person (can't see who) in brush, watching, as shot from Scott's gun is fired, followed by the sound of Amy, crying...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (day 1)
EXT. MATTHEW'S DAD'S HOUSE - EVENING
Matthew pulling up at his dad's house (in Vincent's vehicle), getting out of car, grabbing supplies from trunk, and walking toward door.
POV cuts inside, to man passed out, in love seat, in front of TV (special alert playing over the screen)...
Matthew enters inside, approaching his dad, seeing that he's passed out...
MATTHEW
Just as I'd figured you'd be, by now.
Matthew begins tying rope around him, tying him securely on the love seat. He then dumps gasoline, on his dad's feet, and bottom of pants/legs. He begins playing with his phone. Now he opens a zip lock baggie, and places phone inside.
He then walks into kitchen, turning on sink. He's letting it run awhile. He eventually comes back out, carrying a bucket/container, filled with water. He sets it down, and again works his phone (while it remains in baggie), and places it in his dad's lap, as video of the highway crash scene, begins playing. He then dumps the water, over his dad's head, causing him to wake, scream, and curse.
DAD
What the hell!
Dad looking at phone, in lap. His hands are free enough, to grab it. He pulls it out of the bag, watching the video, and trying to look around the room, but unable to see Matthew, standing back behind him, holding in his laughter.
As frustrated as Dad is, the video begins capturing more and more of his attention. He looks up, and notices the emergency alert. He glances at his empty bottle of booze, and back at the video. He works to get loose, but to no prevail. Eventually, he sits completely still, watching the shocking part of the video...
DAD
What the hell am I seeing?! WHAT IS GOING ON!? MATTHEW,
WHERE ARE YOU?!
Dad watching zombie on the video, in disbelief. Matthew slowly comes into Dad's view...
DAD
You sorry excuse for a son, what in god's name are you doing to
me? What is this shit?
MATTHEW
It's my birthday, Dad. I have never felt so alive. Something you will
no longer be.
Matthew simply staring at him, with an eerie smile...
DAD
You can't handle prison. Your sister could, but not you.
MATTHEW
That's what the video was for, dad. Didn't you get that concept? No
more rules, no more cops to enforce them, no more prison. Michael
and I, already have a safe place, to ride this thing out. But I couldn't
begin my new life, without ending yours.
Dad forcefully trying to break free. Quickly losing his energy.
MATTHEW
Speaking of sis, where is she? Pretty sure she'd wanna see this.
DAD
The slut is upstairs, sleeping off whatever crap she was snorting
twenty-four hours ago. She makes me about as proud as her
piece of shit little brother does..
MATTHEW
Well, you must mean Michael, because I imagine you'd be quite
proud of what I have in store, for your ending...not to mention,
your return.
Dad a look at Matthew, remembering what he just witnessed, in the video...
MATTHEW
That's right, Dad, people come back, now. Not as yourself, but as a
hungry demon like, image of yourself. Nothing kills you, other than a
blow to the brain... But don't worry, we'll be leaving your brain alone,
today. I only lathered your feet with gas, not your upper half. As your
lower half burns away, and kills the sob who raised me...your upper
half will remain intact, for your demon like, return...and being stuck
here, legless and tied to that favorite chair of yours, will be your own
little personal hell.
DAD
You waiting for me to beg for my life?
MATTHEW
Nope...just want to let ya sweat it out, a little longer. I want the
anticipation to last, as long as the death.
Matthew walking over to staircase, and yelling up.
MATTHEW
TINA! WAKE UP, SIS!
Matthew walking over and sticking a blade in his dad's leg, causing him to scream, in agonizing pain...
MATTHEW
Thanks, pops. That should get her up.
Dad screaming, and working with everything he has, to make an effort to get loose. He again cries out in pain. Matthew's sister is heard, rushing down the stairs.
TINA
(off-screen)
What in the holy hell of Christ, is going on, down here?!
Once downstairs, it is revealed that Tina (in only a long shirt), is JAX (with no black eye)!
MATTHEW
Bout to bbq, Dad. Thought you'd want to sit around the camp fire,
with me.
Jax looking over the situation with some shock...
JAX
You've finally flipped, haven't you?
MATTHEW
To be honest with you, no, the world has. I'll explain, after he dies...
well actually, I'll show ya. (with a crooked smile)
JAX
You're really doing this?
Matthew lighting his lighter, and holding her directing.
MATTHEW
Unless you'd like the honor?
JAX
(shaking head)
I always knew you would. It's why you're
my favorite little brother.
Jax an evil smile, as Matthew ignites his dad's feet...
BLACK
"Eminem - Love The Way You Lie - featuring Rihanna" instantly playing (from beginning of song).
CREDITS
MUSIC
"Just gonna stand there and watch me burn..."
Song continues as instrumental, until credits end...
THE END